According to former GUR head, General Kondratiuk, the significant issue for Russia is preventing Ukraine from developing its own ballistic capabilities. He highlighted that while Ukraine has some ballistic development, it currently lacks the necessary technologies.
Kondratiuk stated, “If we receive technologies today, like guidance systems for ballistic missiles, imagine that these would not just be drones targeting Russia, but actual ballistic capabilities.” He pointed out that through allied intelligence, Ukraine has already acquired the means to target critical Russian oil refineries and enterprises.
This capability directly impacts the production and effectiveness of Russian weaponry, he stressed. Furthermore, he asserted that the evolution of Ukraine’s long-range capabilities is contingent on the stance of international partners. If Putin continues to reject proposals to end the conflict, it may prompt stronger U.S. backing for Ukraine.
Kondratiuk warned that if Putin remains inflexible or dismissive of peace proposals, the only remaining option might be to equip Ukraine fully for victory, not just for defense within its own territory but also for operations on Russian soil.
- On July 8, during a press conference with President Zelensky in Ankara, Trump indicated that the U.S. could license Ukraine for producing Patriot missiles.
- However, on July 30, in an interview with the Financial Times, Trump noted that these are “exceptional weapons,” signaling the need for caution in granting licenses.
- This topic was also addressed at the meeting between Trump and Zelensky on September 22 in New York, where Zelensky reported that the American president was positively inclined towards it.
- Later, Zelensky mentioned that Trump assured him of a definitive decision to grant Ukraine the licenses for Patriot missile production.
